What happens to your pension when you die

Information for all members about your pension benefits.

Benefits payable for pensioner members

If you die as a pensioner in the LGPS, the following benefits may be payable:

  • a lump sum death grant (see details below)
  • a pension for your spouse, registered civil partner or, subject to certain qualifying conditions, your eligible cohabiting partner (if you were a member of the LGPS on or after 1 April 2008)
  • a child's pension, payable to all eligible children. An eligible child must be under age 23 and in full time education or vocational training. The amount of pension depends on the number of eligible children you have and whether a partner's pension is being paid as well

Lump sum death grant for pensioner members

Where these conditions are true:

  • you left after 31 March 2008
  • you die within 10 years of receiving your pension
  • you are under age 75

The death grant payable is:

  • ten times the amount of your pension before you gave up any pension for a lump sum (if applicable)
  • less the pension and lump sum that has been paid to you

There is a slight difference in the calculation for any part of your pension that relates to membership before 1 April 2014. 

Where these conditions are true:

  • you left before 1 April 2008
  • you die within five years of receiving your pension
  • you are under age 75

The death grant payable is five times the amount of your pension, less the pension already paid to you. 

If you left before 1 April 1998, the calculation is more complex. Contact us for more information.